O.k, I plan on rebuilding my 318 for my Dakota this winter, but im not quite sure what i want to do, or the best way to get what i want.. I am looking for a more power, and hopefully better MGP.

My plan as of right now is bore it .30 over, a mid size cam (not sure what yet), possibly forged bottom end, not sure if im gonna leave the crank as is, not sure what to do for heads (I am trying to stick to an affordable build, so no crazy heads, just modifying stock heads, or close to), and then probably a T.B spacer.. and suggestions let me know.

hrm walsh ur gonna be tight getting it done for 1000 grand. All your power increase is mainly your heads ive heard u loose a little compression but if ur putting in a bigger cam its worth it to do. Now some 318 intakes wont fight the 360 heads so ull need a 360 intake. I haven't done any specific research on this just remember seeing it on some dodge forums a while back. i think adding the heads makes the motor into a 340.

Don't think changing heads make the cubic inches bigger.
I would find a 360 rebuild it and you will have the power you want and the truck won't be down as long. Then you can sell your motor for something after the new one is in and running.

i have considered rebuilding a 360, either way i go, i am planning on finding a motor to rebuild while mine is still in my truck.. if i go with a 360, do i need to swap my harness, or just the computer?

I would pull a motor and trans from a junkyard and rebuild that as you have time. The cost to rebuild is going to be close to the same.

There are some differences between the two if you go with a 360. The 318 is balanced internally and the 360 is balanced externally so the torque converter is different as well as a different flex plate.

The heads on the 360 flow a little better and respond to port matching and cleaning up the bowls really well with a cam swap.

as of right now, i started tearing down a 318 from my brothers ram that "blew up" on hime.. found out it was all gummed up and completely nasty inside.. but i have everything freed up for now, and no apparent scarring.. now im looking for a machine shop to drop it off at

If you are gonna rebuild an engine. You are better off doing everything you want the first time. Save your money and buy good parts. If you cheap out "and settle" you will regret it later. And end up spending more money later. Ive changed my engine in my drag car 4 times. Spent thousands that i didnt have too. If you want good low end. I say stroke it. A 4 inch crank should fit without having to clearance the block. Call comp and get a good low end cam, and that thing ill be a torque monster. All you need are some decent heads. You dont need monster heads unless you are turning a bunch of rpm. Goodluck

Ic you are looking for a good machine shop in that area. Call performance engineering. They do all kinds off work from semi truck engines to exotic mountain motor stuff. They are fast, good, and reasonably priced.

I would pull a motor and trans from a junkyard and rebuild that as you have time. The cost to rebuild is going to be close to the same.

There are some differences between the two if you go with a 360. The 318 is balanced internally and the 360 is balanced externally so the torque converter is different as well as a different flex plate.

The heads on the 360 flow a little better and respond to port matching and cleaning up the bowls really well with a cam swap.

don't forget the harmonic ballancer will need to be matched tot he 360 as well, if you get a junk yard 360 they may strip it off the 360 and you will be screwed with out it.

harmonic ballancer, tourque converter, flex plate, all direct bolt all need to be swapped out to match the 360,